The X-ray Crystallography Condition Screening Core Technology Center provides state-of-the-art, high-throughput, crystallization services to all institutions. The full-service core offers access to sophisticated equipment and technologies, and technical assistance in sample preparation. The facility will provide screen preparation, plate setup, and optimization of the resulting crystals. Our high-throughput core can produce 18,000 experiments in a single day. We work in conjunction with the X-ray Crystallography Technology Center, which collects diffraction data and screens crystal quality.

Services

Consultation and technical assistance

Evaluation of sample via Dynamic Light Scattering

Automatic setup of crystallization conditions at 4° and 20° C

Storage of plates at 4° and 20° C

UV/vis microscope identification of organic and inorganic crystals.

Optimization of crystallization conditions

Training of students

Expectations

In order to ensure quality, kits are dispensed as needed. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments will be given priority. Walk-ins can expect a variety of broad screens to be available, but if something specific is required, make an appointment. Trip scheduling, randomized spikes in popularity, and back-orders affect inventory, so check if you need a specific screen. If it is not back-ordered it will be made ready in 24 hours. Over 30 labs are served. You are not guaranteed an appointment. If no time slots are available we will schedule your appointment for the next available slot, since this will affect the quality of service provided to others. Hours of operation are between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

We understand that samples may misbehave. Solubility and stability issues are common problems for our users. If this happens, please text Michael Collazo at (805) 982-0606 with an estimate of when you may be ready or an appointment cancellation. Do not show up late with sample that is unstable needing immediate attention. You may arrive in the middle of another appointment and your sample may go to waste. For unstable samples, it is also a good idea to leave me a way to get a hold of you quickly if the sample becomes unmanageable during the experiment. Some samples form solid gels. Others deposit inconsistently when unconventional solubilizing agents or dyes are used. If you are unreachable, we will proceed with the experiment using our best judgement. Also understand that other users have to troubleshoot and may run a bit late. If you have an unstable sample that will not last five minutes in solution, text Michael Collazo at (805) 982-0606 to make sure everything is ready before you dissolve your sample.

After a sample is received it is prepared immediately. A total of 2,880 conditions only requires 400ul of sample.

The minimum volume required to set up a single drop experiment is 15 uL (100nl sample: 100nl crystallant).

A basic Requirement for macromolecular crystallization is sample purity better than 98% as detected by SDS gel and/or Mass Spectroscopy. The presence of secondary bands in the gels or other contaminants will decrease the success rate. The optimal protein concentration is around 10 mg/ml but other concentrations can be accepted as long as the technical staff is notified. The normal turn around is 24 hours. Special optimization conditions may require more time. We recommend to filter the sample shortly before the crystallization trials starts.